How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can cause a lot of trouble. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or nearest two of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows using tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and maintain the historic integrity of your older home. The procedure of replacing the window pane is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand nearest tools. You will also need a replacement glass for windows window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glazing putty. If necessary you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best accomplished with a pair of pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver can also be used in the pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Work slowly and carefully making sure not to damage the old window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to ensure it is held steady.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accept the new pane when you have removed the old glue. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and find a piece glass cut to size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself, if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting the new pane in place After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking along the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to hold the pane in the right place. The points shouldn't be tight enough to cause friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it is smooth and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. The first strip should be placed in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points, and any other leftovers clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If necessary, lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store, and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure a snug fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it in place using your hand. Then, you can use the point of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure fully.

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error or a branch falling can cause a broken or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as the glazier's pointed and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. You'll need a heat gun when the window is fixed into the frame.

If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is reinstalled it is possible to apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they are hard to cut, place a hand tool like a heat gun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heat tool, be careful to not scratch the sash or its railings.

Create the bed for your new pane after you have removed the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets where the glass will be. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form a solid seal and could leak or discolor over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune when you do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you're working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely fixed to the frame. This can be made relatively simple and fast using the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails" to hold the window within the frame. They are buried under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid moulded wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the window's points.

Once you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were. Sand them to bare wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames the same color. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening and also the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. Take these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store and have the glass cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new window pane. To do this, place the pane inside the frame and move it around until a 1/16 inch of putty remains between the edge of the glass and the sash on all four sides. Use a putty knife to smear the putty evenly, making sure that there isn't an excessive amount of excess putty in the corners and along the edges. When the putty dries, it can be painted with the same color as the frame to prevent water and air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.